To celebrate the 350th anniversary of Rembrandt's death we delve into the Living Paintings vaults to present three wonderful examples of this artistic genius at work. These three works span 22 years and we'll enjoy them in chronological order.
A Man in Armour is a superb example of his work. It shows a half-length figure looming out of a dark background in which we faintly see a recessed arch with supporting columns. His body is turned towards us but he is looking to our left. He is in armour and holds a shield in his left hand, and a lance in his right.
This is a painting which captures an intimate moment, yet we are drawn into the woman wading into a stream, through the richness of the colours which seem to resound in the shadowy background.
The woman's figure fills the centre of the painting. She stands with her head bowed as she lifts her loose white shift above her knees. She has left her dress on the raised bank behind her and seems to be about to take another step forward, gingerly feeling her way through the water as it laps around her calves.
The composition of this important painting is rectangular in shape and shows two people - one seated and one standing, in an interior. This is in essence a double portrait, but it is by no means a static image and an overall sense of bustle and urgency is suggested by the poses of the figures. These are depicted in three-quarters length so that they dominate the picture space and enhance the scale of the picture. The cost of the picture was 5000 Guineas and it was the most expensive painting he acquired. It now hangs in the Picture Gallery at Buckingham Palace.